DESC:4. DESCRIPTION
Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of science and technologies, mainly refers to the field of defense systems and training solutions that capable of performing real time practice systems which could be used by trainees to learn and develop weapon handling skills.

Background of the Invention

Defense systems and training solutions play a crucial role in developing technologies related to the defense sector, with the aim of strengthening a country's defense system. These systems also help to develop trainee learning skills and efficiency in performing battles in a highly effective manner, by providing simulators that give real experiences with original defense equipment. The trainees can perform their best in battles only when they have experienced real-time battle environments before entering the actual battlefield. Hence, it is necessary to provide safe and effective training equipment for defense personnel.

Bullet containment traps (BCTs) are an essential component of defense training ranges. These traps provide complete ballistic coverage, making them ideal for fixed firing line and tactical training ranges. The safest, strongest, and most eco-friendly BCTs require minimal maintenance and are equipped with the most efficient lead collection system available, keeping shooters, employees, and the environment safe.

Prior art references such as US7503250B2, US20090206551A1, US1088283B2, and US10670378B1 disclose bullet traps that are formed without intervening sidewalls to enable cross-shooting and the like with reduced risk of ricochet or damage to the bullet trap. Furthermore, they can be configured in a variety of ways to eliminate the need for facing plates while providing a removable attachment mechanism to enable repair on the trap, reduce bullet adhesion to the trap, and provide improved containment of lead and improved access to the trap. Another prior art reference, US9897420B2, discloses a bullet fragment collection tray that is mounted to a bullet trap to facilitate the removal and collection of bullet fragments during target practice.

However, these prior art references are limited to the usage of plate-like structures for decelerating fired ammunition projectile motion. Due to the impacts of ammunition with different velocities on the plates, they may not last long and there is also a scope for bullet splattering. Moreover, the systems disclosed above have single-mould plate structures that are huge in size, difficult to carry, and assemble.

To address these limitations, the applicant in his co-pending application IN202041050022 claimed a modular bullet containment trap with a backstop that includes cassettes of armor plates. This configuration provides a more modular and easily replaceable structure that is capable of capturing bullets without ricochets and back spatter. The vertical configuration also allows for more compact and portable equipment that can be used inside a containerized shooting range or multiple such systems combined to increase the width of the shooting range and accommodate multiple shooters at a time.

Despite the advancements in the prior art, there is still a need for an improved bullet containment trap that is easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport, and that provides a high level of safety and efficiency in defense training. The present invention aims to address these needs and provide a novel bullet containment trap that is both portable and modular, with parts that can be easily replaced without disturbing the total assembly.

Brief Description of the Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The main objective of the invention is to provide a bullet containment trap system that is safe, efficient, and easy to use for the containment and disposal of errant bullets and lead fragments. The system is designed to capture bullets fired at any angle and speed and direct them into a deceleration chamber where their velocity is gradually degraded until they come to a standstill. The lead fragments are collected in a plurality of collection barrels for easy disposal. The system is also designed to be easily replaceable and adjustable, with a support structure that can hold it in position and adjust the angle of the funnel plates. Additionally, the invention aims to provide a method for using the system that is simple and straightforward, allowing for the safe and efficient containment and disposal of bullets and lead fragments.

To summarize the invention, the bullet containment trap is modular, portable, and can be used inside a portable containerized shooting range or multiple such systems may be combined to increase the width of the shooting range to accommodate multiple shooters at a time.

The system is comprised of four main components that are open to the line of fire. The funnel structure covers the entire shooting range and captures any errant rounds fired, diverting them into a desired path. The deceleration chamber captures the bullets diverted into it by the funnel by degrading their velocity, guiding the bullet along a predetermined path, and slowing it down tremendously. The support structure holds the system up in position and adjusts the funnel plates to desired angles. The collection barrels are located underneath the deceleration chamber and collect the bullet and lead fragments that tumble out of the chamber.

The funnel structure is mostly made up of armor-grade steel plates that are angled calculatedly to deflect the bullets' path as required, irrespective of their initial angle and speed of approach. It is completely enclosed from all sides to prevent any bullets from escaping out of the confined zone. The funnel structure fulfills the function of routing the bullets fired at any angle and speed into the deceleration chamber through the throat. To achieve this, multiple plates are placed at predetermined angles, deflecting the approaching bullets either directly into the throat or onto another plate that routes it inside the deceleration chamber. Minor adjustments can be made to the plates to accommodate various ranges, weapons, projectiles, and ammunition and fine-tune the system to successfully direct the bullets.

The deceleration chamber is made up of impact plates and a stack of cassettes that form the profile for velocity degradation. The cassettes are stacked such that a small stack and a large stack are placed alternatively in an inverted configuration so that holes are unobstructed and fasteners can be used to join them. The cassettes are modeled such that this can be achieved with the same design in a different orientation. The larger stacks are fastened in a regular pattern to make pairs, and smaller stacks are fastened in a staggered pattern to interlock these pairs of large stacks. This aids in replacing the worn cassettes easily, as removing them without disturbing the remaining cassettes is possible.

The supporting structure is a frame made of standard cross-section pipes to match the profiles and support the weight of the funnel and the deceleration chamber. Provision to adjust the funnel plate angles can be provided using mechanisms like shims or screw jacks for fine-tuning the system.

In conclusion, the bullet containment trap system provides a modular, portable, and safe environment for personnel to handle firearms. It is designed with wear and tear of the parts in consideration and hence modeled such that the parts may be replaced easily without disturbing the total assembly. The system disclosed herein is also capable of performing rifles, shotguns and handgun trainings but not limited to pistols alone.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

Fig 1 illustrates a bullet containment trap system disclosing various components and its functionality, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 2A and 2B illustrates a plurality of stack of cassettes arrangement and a bullet path towards a lead exit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates trajectory routing system for projectiles to reach a containment trap passing through different zones, with a modular trajectory receiving funnel structure at the back, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
It is appreciated that not all aspects and structures of the present invention are visible in a single drawing, and as such multiple views of the invention are presented so as to clearly show the structures of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The Bullet Containment Trap (BCT) system represents a advancement in the field of ballistic safety and environmental stewardship within defense training facilities. This innovative system is designed to address the critical need for a secure environment where personnel can engage in live ammunition training while minimizing the inherent risks associated with such activities. Traditional firing ranges, despite their widespread use, present significant challenges including the risk of ricochet, potential for back spatter, and environmental pollution due to lead and other heavy metals. The BCT system emerges as a solution to these challenges, offering a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible platform for firearms training.

At the core of the BCT system's design philosophy is the commitment to safety, durability, environmental protection, and ease of maintenance. These guiding principles have informed every aspect of the system's development, from the initial conceptualization to the final engineering design. The system is composed of several key components, each meticulously engineered to fulfill a specific function within the containment process. The integration of these components ensures the effective capture, deceleration, and containment of bullets, thereby safeguarding personnel and the environment.

The funnel structure of the BCT system serves as the initial point of interaction with fired bullets. Constructed from armor-grade steel plates, this structure is designed to capture any errant rounds, directing them towards the deceleration chamber. The precise angling of the steel plates is a result of extensive ballistic research and engineering calculations, ensuring that bullets, regardless of their trajectory or velocity, are safely guided into the containment process. This aspect of the design is critical for preventing ricochets and ensuring that all projectiles are accounted for within the system.

Following the capture by the funnel structure, bullets are then introduced into the deceleration chamber, the heart of the BCT system's functionality. Within this chamber, a series of plates and modular cassettes work in tandem to absorb the kinetic energy of the bullets, effectively reducing their velocity to a point where they can be safely contained. The deceleration process is carefully controlled to ensure that the integrity of the system is maintained, even under the stress of high-velocity projectiles. The design of the deceleration chamber reflects a deep understanding of ballistics and materials science, showcasing the BCT system's innovative approach to bullet containment.

Supporting the funnel and deceleration chamber is a robust support structure, designed to provide the necessary stability and flexibility for the system's operation. This structure not only supports the weight and stresses of the containment process but also allows for adjustments to the funnel plates. This adjustability is crucial for accommodating a variety of firing angles and training scenarios, further enhancing the system's versatility and effectiveness.

An integral component of the BCT system is its lead collection mechanism. This feature underscores the system's commitment to environmental protection, ensuring that lead and other materials from spent bullets are efficiently captured and contained. The design of the lead collection system facilitates easy disposal and minimizes the environmental impact of firing range operations. This consideration is particularly important in light of the growing awareness and regulatory scrutiny regarding lead pollution and its health implications.

The operational mechanics of the BCT system are a testament to its engineering excellence. The process begins with the capture of bullets by the funnel structure, a critical first step in ensuring the safety of the range environment. Once captured, bullets enter the deceleration chamber, where they undergo a controlled reduction in velocity through a series of interactions with the plates and cassettes. This carefully orchestrated process ensures that bullets are brought to a halt within the system, eliminating the risk of ricochet or penetration beyond the containment structure. Following deceleration, the bullets and any resultant fragments are collected for disposal, completing the containment process.

The development of the BCT system involved extensive research, testing, and refinement to achieve its current level of performance and reliability. From the initial concept drawings to the final assembly, every aspect of the system has been scrutinized to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. The use of advanced materials, such as armor-grade steel, and cutting-edge engineering techniques has resulted in a system that not only fulfills its intended function but also sets a new benchmark in ballistic containment technology.

Environmental considerations have played a pivotal role in the design of the BCT system. The lead collection mechanism is a prime example of this focus, designed to prevent the release of toxic materials into the environment. This feature, along with the system's overall efficiency in containing bullets and fragments, reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By minimizing the ecological footprint of firing range operations, the BCT system aligns with contemporary environmental values and regulatory standards.
The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a bullet containment trap system is disclosed. The system comprises an open line of fire, a funnel structure made of armor grade steel funnel plates with a throat. The system comprises a deceleration chamber and modular cassettes that form a profile for velocity degradation. The system also comprises a support structure, a plurality of collection barrels, and a lead exit.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the funnel structure captures and deflects errant rounds into the desired bullet path. The support structure holds the system in position and adjusts the angle of the funnel plates. Further, the cassettes are stacked face-to-face and modelled to allow easy replacement, and the lead exit collects fragments in the collection barrels.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system integrates a trajectory routing mechanism, employing a modular trajectory receiving funnel structure at the rear end, equipped with impact plates, side plates, and outer plates at variable angles, to ensure precise bullet deflection.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer plates are positioned at predetermined angles 9.5 degrees for zones 1 and 2, 12 degrees for zone 3, and 14.5 and 16.5 degrees for zones 4 and 5, to optimally deflect bullets towards the system's central deceleration pathway.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer plates are positioned at predetermined angles are devised to distribute bullet impacts across a wider area, significantly reducing the probability of bullets engaging with the plate edges or converging onto a singular, concentrated area.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment preferred by the system aims to prevent erratic bullet behavior, such as ricochets and splattering, by ensuring a smoother transition of bullets through the throat and into the deceleration chamber, thereby enhancing the overall safety, efficiency, and durability of the containment system.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the funnel structure directs bullets fired at any angle and speed into the deceleration chamber through the throat. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the impact plates are placed at predetermined angles to deflect bullets into the throat or onto another plate that routes it inside the deceleration chamber.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bullet follows a preordained bullet path along the inner profile of the system and is slowed down until it comes to a standstill. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lead fragments fall out of the deceleration chamber through a gap or lead exit provided between two plates at the bottom, under the effect of gravity.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supporting structure is a frame made of standard cross-section pipes that match the profiles and support the weight of the funnel structure and the deceleration chamber. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the collection barrels are placed directly under the deceleration chamber where the lead fragments can be easily replaced once they are full.

Referring to drawings now,
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, detailed in drawings 1, 2a, 2b, 3, a bullet containment trap system (10) is introduced, featuring a modular design to safely capture and decelerate errant rounds from firearms. The system comprises several key components: an open line of fire (1), a funnel structure (2) constructed from armor-grade steel plates (3) equipped with a throat (4), a deceleration chamber (5) equipped with modular cassettes (12), a support structure (6), collection barrels (7), and a lead exit (8).

Figures 2a and 2b detail the funnel structure (2), which plays a pivotal role in capturing and redirecting bullets into the desired path (9), while the support structure (6) maintains the system's integrity and allows for angle adjustments of the funnel plates (3). The deceleration chamber (5) significantly slows the bullets, aided by the strategically placed modular cassettes (12), designed for easy replacement and maintenance.

Figure 3 introduces a trajectory routing mechanism that guides projectiles through zones A-E towards a containment trap, highlighting the modular funnel structure (32) at the chamber's rear. This setup includes a throat (4), impact plates (34), side plates (35), and outer plates (36), all adjustable to manage high-velocity trajectories efficiently. The design ensures the impact plates (34) can be securely attached to the containment trap, guiding projectiles towards a hard cassette zone (37) for final deceleration. The outer plates (36) are positioned at predetermined angles 9.5 degrees for zones 1 and 2, 12 degrees for zone 3, and 14.5 and 16.5 degrees for zones 4 and 5, to optimally deflect bullets towards the system's central deceleration pathway.

The system's design allows for optimizing the impact plates (34) and funnel structure (32) angles to distribute impacts evenly, minimize edge impacts, and direct projectiles into the throat (4). By adjusting these angles, the system's longevity is enhanced, the throat size is increased, and the impact plates' orientation is modified to spread trajectory impacts across different plates, preventing edge crossings. The system (100) integrates a trajectory routing mechanism, employing a modular trajectory receiving funnel structure (32) at the rear end, equipped with impact plates (34), side plates (35), and outer plates (36) at variable angles, to ensure precise bullet deflection.

The methodology involves positioning the trajectory routing mechanism appropriately, aligning the containerized training chamber, and ensuring the modular trajectory receiving funnel structure (32) is ready to guide projectiles through the throat (4) into the containment trap. This process emphasizes the impact plates' role (34) in distributing impacts, guiding projectiles on the intended path, and optimizing impact angles to decrease kinetic energy, achieve uniform degradation, and minimize concentrated impacts.

The collection barrels (7) are strategically placed beneath the deceleration chamber (5) for easy replacement when full. Lead fragments exit the deceleration chamber through a gap or lead exit (8) between plates, facilitated by gravity.

This invention addresses existing bullet routing challenges by employing a trajectory routing mechanism that incorporates a containerized training chamber and a modular funnel structure (32) at the rear, effectively managing projectile trajectories. The impact plates (34) are engineered to withstand high-velocity impacts and can be securely fixed to the containment trap, ensuring projectiles are guided towards the hard cassette zone (37).

By optimizing the impact plates' angles (34) and adjusting the funnel structure (32), the system ensures even impact distribution, reduces edge impacts, and efficiently guides projectiles into the throat (4), enhancing system durability and throat size. This optimization, coupled with variable angle adjustments of the impact plates (34) within the funnel structure (32), ensures a broad spread of trajectory impacts across different plates, preventing edge crossings.

The invention encapsulates a modular, portable, and safe environment for firearm training, considering wear and tear for easy part replacement without dismantling the entire assembly. It accommodates various firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, illustrating its versatility.

This detailed description, while illustrative of the principles of the invention, acknowledges the possibility of modifications and changes by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the invention to the precise configurations shown and described. Instead, all suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims are deemed within the purview of this inventive concept, embracing all changes and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:5. CLAIMS
I/We claim:
1. A bullet containment trap system (10), comprising:
an open line of fire (1);
a funnel structure (2) made of armor grade steel funnel plates (3) with a throat (4);
a deceleration chamber (5) and modular cassettes (12) that form a profile for velocity degradation;
a support structure (6);
a plurality of collection barrels (7);
a lead exit (8);
wherein, the funnel structure (2) captures and deflects errant rounds into the desired bullet path (9);
the support structure (6) holds the system (10) in position and adjusts the angle of the funnel plates (3);
the cassettes (12) are stacked face-to-face and modelled to allow easy replacement;
the lead exit (8) collects fragments in the collection barrels (7);
Characterized in that,
the system (10) integrates a trajectory routing mechanism, employing a modular trajectory receiving funnel structure (32) at the rear end, equipped with impact plates (34), side plates (35), and outer plates (36) at variable angles, to ensure precise bullet deflection; and
the outer plates (36) are positioned at predetermined angles 9.5 degrees for zones 1 and 2, 12 degrees for zone 3, and 14.5 and 16.5 degrees for zones 4 and 5, to optimally deflect bullets towards the system's central deceleration pathway.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer plates (36) are positioned at predetermined angles are devised to distribute bullet impacts across a wider area, significantly reducing the probability of bullets engaging with the plate edges or converging onto a singular, concentrated area.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment aims to prevent erratic bullet behavior, such as ricochets and splattering, by ensuring a smoother transition of bullets through the throat (4) and into the deceleration chamber (5), thereby enhancing the overall safety, efficiency, and durability of the containment system.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the funnel structure (2) directs bullets fired at any angle and speed into the deceleration chamber (5) through the throat (4).

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the impact plates (34) are placed at predetermined angles to deflect bullets into the throat (4) or onto another plate that routes it inside the deceleration chamber (5).

6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bullet follows a preordained bullet path (9) along the inner profile of the system (10) and is slowed down until it comes to a standstill.

7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lead fragments fall out of the deceleration chamber (5) through a gap or lead exit (8) provided between two plates at the bottom, under the effect of gravity.

8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting structure (6) is a frame made of standard cross-section pipes that match the profiles and support the weight of the funnel structure (2) and the deceleration chamber (5).

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collection barrels (7) are placed directly under the deceleration chamber (5) where the lead fragments can be easily replaced once they are full.

6. DATE AND SIGNATURE
Dated this 08th day of April 2024
Signature

(Mr. SRINIVAS MADDIPATI)
IN/PA 3124 – In-house Patent Agent
For., Zen Technologies Ltd.